Sunday, 17 March 2013

CHANEL Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder

The CHANEL Les Beiges collection showcases a new product called a Healthy Glow Sheer Powder. Available in 7 shades (£38 each), the product is essentially a setting powder that is meant to add a healthy glow and enhance the complexion.
The powder has an SPF 15 and includes an "Open Air Complex containing cotton flower and white rose plant cells, to diffuse protein molecules and vitamins into the skin and protect against dehydration and pollution".
I was expecting a satin finish from the name of the product so was surprised that there was not a trace of shimmer in sight and that it swatches as matte.
I bought the lightest shade, No.10, its a tad darker than my normal skintone and is warm toned.
Swatched below with the Lumière Sculptée de Chanel Highlighting Powder.
The formula feels wonderfully lightweight and has a smooth feel. It sets make up very well, though given the finish I wouldn't think this the best for oil control. Though I have dry skin and don't fare well with face powders, I can just get away with this but would not recommend for very dry skin.
In terms of the finish I don't find it imparts much colour on the skin and provides an extremely subtle glow/shine to the complexion.
I hope my picture below doesn't freak you out but I just wanted to convey that the difference is negligible (though is more noticeable in real life), on the left without powder on the right with.
There is a lot of buzz surrounding this product, so I wanted to be sure my lack of results wasn't due to my bad complexion which has acne, pores, scarring and heavy discolouration. However when I tried this on a smooth, clear complexion, again the effect was minimal. Personally I am just not seeing the magic here, and can't attest to it being a revolutionary product as I keep reading about. Its a very good finishing powder which does give a very slight glow/sheen to the skin, nothing more nothing less.

Hi Replica,Thank you for the honest review :) It helps me to think again whether I need this product. Lately I have been obsessed with finishing powder such as Nars Light Glow Powder, Hourglass powder and now Chanel. It's time for me to really think whether I need this :)

I can actually see quite a bit of difference between the two pictures. In the powdered picture, the appearance of the under eye "pebbles", the pores on the cheek, and the small line in the nasolabial area have all been reduced. Although I could easily see which side was powdered without having to be told, the overall effect is the same as would be expected from any finishing powder of the light-diffusing variety. I guess it just comes down to whether or not someone is in the market for something portable. It hasn't arrived on counter here yet, but when it does, I'll take a look as I think it might make a nice travel option.

Thanks for the honest review. It's refreshing after so many over-the-top reviews of this season's other new powders.

Thanks Eileen, glad the review was helpful.I must admit I had to look up what the nasolabial was, perhaps I need to look into more "anti-age" skincare ;)I think you are right about it being a nice travel option, the mirror is a good size, the brush is usable and the compact doesn't feel fragile.

Whee! I see your face! (Happy now)I agree with others. thanks for your honest review. Seems like a huge product push with these beautifying powders with all the blogger buzz, so it's very refreshing to read your review.

well at least you didn't run away screaming ;)Thank you for the kind words, I did think I was missing something with this as its always a bit strange when everyone else if amazed by a product but you are not x

I was actually able to pick out the correct photo! I think the thing that stood out to me the most was the evenness of the skin close to your nose after you powdered. Then again, 38 pounds for so little difference is a little extreme. Thanks for the review!

Well IMHO you chose the fairest of the range... you should try the n° 20 or 30. I believe this acts more like a sheer bronzer and not like a classic powder. I think that no10 is for really really pale and perfect complexions. I say so because I 've actually seen this product in the darkest shades 20 and 30, used on fair skin and it was indeed unifying and glowing. Of course it doesn't cover blemishes of scars but that's not the aim of the product...

Hi Barbara,The product description is to apply to the entire face but I could see that using a shade or two darker would work as a bronzer. I am a bit lighter than a MAC NW15 so the no.30 might be too dark but I might have another look at the No.20. Thanks for the suggestion.